Canada Facts for Kids | Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Canada, also known as America’s attic, is a large country with nearly 32 million citizens. But, why is it called America’s Attic? It earns its nick name due to its location on top of America. Some people mistake Canada to be a separate nation, but in reality, it is part of Northern America. Canada is the second largest country in terms of area—it has an area of around 9,984,670 square kilometers. Additionally, Canada has the world’s longest land border with America, in terms of its perimeter. Here are the significant Canada facts for kids you probably didn’t know!

Canada Facts For Kids

According to the Canada Act of 1982, the country became a federal state. It is government as parliamentary democracy, as well as a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. Canada consists of 10 provinces and 3 territories. The country ranks among one of the highest in international standard of living and quality life. However, the country holds interesting facts as well, such as:

Water. Water everywhere.

Did you know Canada has more lakes than any other country in the entire world? It comes with no surprise that about 20% of the world’s fresh water are to be found to be present there. An estimated 2 million lakes in Canada cover approximately 7.6% of its land area. The Great Bear Lake located in Northwest territories, is the largest lake present in the country. It covers an area of 31, 328 square kilometers. However, it’s not the deepest lake there. That prize goes to the Great Slave Lake which about 600 meters deep! Canadians simply adore their waters. Fishing in these fresh water lakes is their ancestral prestige, favorite hobby and source of employment.

Highest mountain:

Not only does Canada have lakes, it actually has mountains in its topography. The tallest mountain there is present in the St. Elias mountain range, and is called Mount Logan. It stand tall and proud at a height of 5,959 meters. But, you know what’s really interesting? Due to tectonic activity, the mountain actually continues to grow! It is found to grow about a few millimeters taller each year.

Deepest underground lab:

You definitely read it right. SNOLAB, located two kilometers below the surface of Sudbury, Ontario is said to be a record in man-made excavation. Host to advanced astrophysics research, the lab was approved by the Canada Foundation for Innovation in 2002. The World’s leading physicists have carried out experiments that have led to latest scientific discoveries of sub-atomic particles and dark matter in space. Theoretically, these experiments could lead to collateral damage; therefore scientists utilize underground chambers to contain nuclear threats. Basically, Canada has a “Dexter’s Laboratory” of its own.

Beavers Dam: | Canada Facts for kids

Canada does not only have hardworking people, but beavers as well. In Northern Alberta, you’ll find the world’s longest beaver-made dam. This woodland construction extends up to 850 meters in length. The animals use wood, mud and stone to make a type of moat where it can use its swimming skills to escape predators. Pretty amazing, right?

King of Maple:

The maple tree requires a cold atmosphere to age gracefully. Canada’s ecology provides the right setting and environment for the different species of maple to grow. This makes Canada the largest producer of maple syrup in the world. A surprising 77% of world’s maple production is carried out in the east-central province of Quebec.

Doughnuts Obsession:

Who doesn’t love doughnuts? Well, Canadians are especially fond of this tasty snack. Statistics tell us that Canada has the more doughnut shops per capita than anywhere else in the world. Second on the list comes America. This is probably the reason why 20% of its population suffer from clinical obesity.

Elements that make Canada very useful:

Canada is responsible for producing 2/3 of the world’s Caesium supply. Majority of this is delivered by a mine in Manitoba. The element is extremely rare and has multiple uses in experimental apparatus; such as atomic clocks, vacuum tubes, propulsion systems and magnetometers.

Kanata:

Canada got its unique name by an honest mistake. When Jaques Cartier, a French explorer, came to the new world in 1534, he met with local Natives who invited them to their village. They called their village ‘kanata’ in their tongue. The discovery party mistakenly thought the name of the country was Canada—but the name stuck due to its popularity.

These facts give us an amazing perspective of the spectacular country. Canadians spread awareness of their land’s mystifying magnificence to attract tourists from all over the world. The government promotes a friendly immigration policy to boost its tourism. You can also spread word of this amazing nation by sharing these facts with your friends.